Overview

Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park is the last undeveloped natural wetland including a lake in the immediate Hamilton area. In a venture by Hamilton City Council, local research organisations, community groups and the public of Hamilton City, ecosystems once widespread throughout the Hamilton Basin are being re-created in this 60ha area beside Hamilton Zoo.

The aims are to:
• Re-create ecosystems, which are were originally widespread within the Hamilton Basin
• Increase indigenous biodiversity in Hamilton City
• Restore Horseshoe Lakes water quality
• Create a refuge for indigenous flora and fauna within the city boundaries
• Become an informal recreational area
• Provide opportunity for education and research
• Become a tourist destination alongside Hamilton Zoo

Fewer than 2% of our indigenous ecosystems remain in the Hamilton Ecological District. Before the project only 121ha of Hamilton City had indigenous cover. In 2008 with the planting of over 8ha at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park this rose to 129ha. When plantings are completed a total of 50ha will be planted in the park; increasing Hamilton City’s indigenous cover by 41% to 171ha.